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Eight debutants in the All Blacks side to face Japan
Two new All Blacks have been named in the starting XV – loose forward Dalton Papalii and midfielder Matt Proctor – with six more players set to make their Test debuts from the bench: prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forwards Gareth Evans and Dillon Hunt, halfback Mitch Drummond, first five-eighth Brett Cameron and outside back George Bridge.
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It will be the second appearance in the black jersey for Hunt and Drummond who played the non-Test against the France XV on last year’s Vista Northern Tour.
Luke Whitelock, who captained the All Blacks against the France XV last year, will captain the side for the first time in a Test. It will be a special day for Whitelock, who becomes the 70th All Blacks Test captain: he made his Test debut against Japan in 2013 and follows in the footsteps of brother Samuel, who captained the All Blacks for the first time last year.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “Firstly, on behalf of the entire All Blacks squad, we want to congratulate those players who’ll be making their Test debuts. It’s an exciting and special time for those players and their families, as well as their teammates who join them in recognising their achievement.
“We also congratulate Luke on becoming the latest All Blacks Test captain. He’s a natural leader, did a fantastic job leading the team against the French XV last year, and will be ably assisted by the senior players in the team.
“The team’s really excited at what lies ahead. While this is a relatively inexperienced group, the expectation is that when you pull on the black jersey, then a top performance is required.
It’s important that the players embrace the expectation and enjoy it.
“They’ve prepared well this week and will bring an unbridled enthusiasm that comes with that excitement. We know they’ll go out on Saturday and proudly represent the jersey, themselves, their families and their country.”
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Hansen added: “We’re expecting Japan to play a high-tempo, hit-and-run game as opposed to having an arm wrestle. We know their coaching stuff very well and have a lot of respect for them and no doubt they’ll have a trick or two up their sleeve. So we’ll need to be sharp of mind and bring our own physicality and intensity to the contest.
“We again look forward to playing in front of the Japanese fans, and on behalf of the entire All Blacks squad, want to thank the Japanese people for their hospitality and support. We look forward to seeing them next year.”
ALL BLACKS SIDE TO PLAY JAPAN
1. Ofa Tuungafasi (22)
2. Dane Coles (56)
3. Angus Ta’avao (1)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (19)
5. Jackson Hemopo (2)
6. Vaea Fifita (7)
7. Dalton Papalii *
8. Luke Whitelock – captain (6)
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (1)
10. Richie Mo’unga (5)
11. Waisake Naholo (24)
12. Ngani Laumape (8)
13. Matt Proctor *
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (12)
15. Jordie Barrett (7)
16. Liam Coltman (3)
17. Tim Perry (5)
18. Tyrel Lomax *
19. Dillon Hunt *
20. Gareth Evans *
21. Mitch Drummond *
22. Brett Cameron *
23. George Bridge *
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